Hosepipe bans are to be introduced across southern and eastern England.

Seven firms have said they will impose water restrictions after two unusually dry winters have left reservoirs, aquifers and rivers below normal levels.

Two companies, London Water and Southern Water, will enforce restrictions from April 5.

The environment agency has warned that drought conditions could spread further across England unless heavy rain arrives.

They have also warned of the potential effect of agriculture that could see a rise in prices of potatoes and other vegetables.

Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman said: "We can all help reduce the effects of drought by respecting these restrictions and being smarter about how we use water.

"Taking action now to reduce how much water we use will help us all in the future."

A number of water companies in the southern half of England, covering about 20 million people, are understood to have contingency plans in place that could lead to bans on non-essential uses, including bans on car-washing, watering gardens and filling swimming pools.

The National Farmers Union has warned of the impact on both arable and livestock farming, and is asking for restrictions on agricultural water use to be avoided wherever possible.

But conservation groups point out that if farmers, householders or businesses take more water from rivers and lakes that are already poorly supplied, wildlife will feel the effects.

Reservoirs such as Bewl Bridge in Kent are below half of their normal level for the time of year.

Heavy rains could yet stave off the worst of the impacts, but forecasters are predicting drier than average conditions for the next few months.

In the worst case, this could lead to emergency measures such as supplies being limited to public standpipes in the street being implemented, as was the case during the 1976 drought.

(H)